Ideas and Influences

In this theme you will find out more about popular cultural interests in Korea. In today's Korea, as in many other parts of the world, people's lives are influenced by industries that provide cultural materials. Explore how fashion, the news media, animation, arts and new technology are shaping Korean society.

Who's wearing what?		Democracy at Work		Animation
In Korea today, many teenagers and young people follow fashion trends. Shopping for fashion is a common leisure time activity. In this image you see a modern outfit designed using elements of traditional Korean Hanbok style, and find out more about the evolution of fashion in Korean society.		In this image you see young men involved in a gossaum or tug-of-war. This is evidence of young people becoming involved in civic activities and participating in their community and democratic system of government.		Through this image you can explore the Korean animation industry which has grown over the past decade. There are many emerging innovative animation artists who use a variety of multimedia techniques. Many of them have recently won awards at major international animation festivals, confirming their place as world-class animators.

Multimedia art		Hip hi-tech
Through this image of Nam June Paik's multimedia video art show, The Tiger is Alive, you can explore the exciting world of video art in Korea. The show featured two of Nam June Paik's artworks with video monitors arranged in the shape of a cello and a traditional Korean instrument called the wolgeum, or four-string plucked lute.		Korea is a hi-tech society where computers and mobile phones are part of the daily home and work life for millions of Koreans. Through this image of Koreans competing in interactive computer games, you will find out more about how important technology is in Korean life today.